Marwell Zoo, near Winchester
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary with a fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and seafronts — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore. In Winchester one of the year’s most anticipated highlights is the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a spectacular new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors with inspiring new displays, making it a must‑visit for culture‑seekers. Whilst at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk brings vibrant mid‑ to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county. The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Number of results: 151
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Bay Regatta on the Isle of Wight Annual summer celebration of Sandown Bay with FREE family entertainment from the stage, beach fun at the Beach Sports Arena and a street market lining Sandown Esplanade.
Family entertainment For the…
Concert
Newport
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final Encore This incredible 26 piece orchestra will be performing some of the greatest hits from the famous white isle, for the very last time!
Expect an unforgettable night featuring:
26 piece…
Special Events
Winchester
Winchester Science Centre hosts UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.
One of the world's most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming to Hampshire. From 22 January to 22 March 2026, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering…
Performing Arts
New Forest
This Is My Theatre presents The Great Gatsby on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Step into the roaring 1920s, where the champagne flows, the jazz trumpet blows, and the American Dream gleams with irresistible allure. This electrifying stage adaptation of F…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Oceania Vista depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.
Childrens Events
Portsmouth
Get ready to see the world in a whole new way, as iRed lights up Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with thermal magic and four-legged robot moves!
See amazing heat cameras reveal hidden warmth all around you, and watch a cool four-legged robot move and…
Childrens Events
Brading Road, Ryde
Children's activity during school holidays at Wight Karting For age 8-15 years junior drivers get the chance to be Adrenaline Junkies without parents!
Training to race from Level 1- 5 and by the end of the programme being ready for our larger,…
Run / Rally
New Forest
Simply Italian, sponsored by Hendy Fiat, will return on Sunday 27 September 2026.
All Italian car owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
General event
Southampton
One way trip to Poole, passengers make their own way back (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). Our trip will see us pass the sights and sounds of busy Southampton Water, The Needles, Hengistbury Head and Poole Harbour, passing…
Childrens Events
Southampton
Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand new live stage show!
With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig…
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Have fun (re-)discovering Portsmouth, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out about this fascinating port. Curious About…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Grandeur depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply VW on Sunday 24 May 2026.
All VW owners were invited to park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for both enthusiasts and owners. All ages and models of VW are welcome, which…
Cycling
Islandwide
The Isle of Wight Randonnee is a non-competitive cycle ride established by the Wayfarers in 1985.
General event
Southampton
Join our volunteers as we explore the World Heritage Jurassic Coast coastline. Our route will see Shieldhall depart her Poole Quay berth, passing the exclusive Sandbanks area and crossing the chain ferry route close to the port entrance before…
Arts
Admirals Quay, Ocean Way,, Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the fun and spectacle of Sandown's Illuminated Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Christmas
Farnham
Join our interactive Santa Show, with a new theme each year, perfect for a magical Christmas treat for the whole family. Your ticket includes both the festive show and a present!
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